People with some neurologic disorders who have a higher risk of complications and hospitalization from the flu and pneumonia would be considered in the high-risk category for COVID-19. Because the virus has spread so quickly already, we don’t have more definitive data, but we do know that everyone—regardless of health status—must take this epidemic very seriously. We also know that the virus is more contagious, spreads more easily to others before symptoms appear, and is considered more dangerous and deadly than the flu.

High-risk groups, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include anyone age 60 and older, even if you are otherwise healthy; anyone with diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease; and anyone with a compromised immune system, including patients with multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and other autoimmune disorders whose disorders and treatments impact the immune system.

Given that, here are recommendations everyone should follow.

1. Stay home. Social distancing is the thing to do, and it means avoiding any unnecessary trips outside of your home, steering clear of any large gatherings, working remotely if possible, and avoiding public transportation as much as possible. When going out in public, stay at least six feet from other people.
2. Wash your hands. You can’t wash your hands too often during this time. Use soap and hot water and wash for at least 20 seconds—singing Happy Birthday twice is a popular way to ensure you take 20 seconds—as frequently as possible. Avoid touching your face. The virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Reschedule appointments. All nonessential, nonurgent appointments—including doctor’s visits, therapy appointments, routine dental or eye care, hair appointments, and nail salon visits—should be postponed. Ask your doctor about telemedicine visits if necessary. This will limit your exposure to the virus and will lessen the impact on a health care system that is already under a lot of strain, which will only increase as we try to care for the sickest patients.
4. Get medications and groceries delivered. CVS, Walgreens, and many other pharmacies can deliver prescriptions. You can also order 90-day supplies of medications to minimize the number of trips and bottles. You can order groceries from many local stores online through services like instacart.com and have them delivered. If you are uncomfortable using a computer, ask family members to order food for you as a way of helping you while still staying safe.
5. Disinfect regularly. After accepting a delivery of either groceries or takeout food, keep all bags and boxes on the floor rather than countertops, if possible. Wash your hands and all surfaces after putting items away. Transfer takeout food from store containers to your own dishes.
6. Ask for help. Many hospitals across the country are temporarily closing their outpatient clinics, but all are equipped to communicate with you, if needed, via telephone, video, and messages sent through the electronic medical record or other online portals. Please use them for any questions you may have.
   
   

En español

Dr. Fleisher is assistant professor of neurology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Savica is professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Both are members of the Brain & Life editorial board.

Read More:

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Neurologic Disease Resource Center